Is Death a Dead End? - By: Scott F Paradis

What we fear the most about death is that "I" (an identity) may no longer exist. Death is an unknown, a condition, a puzzle the intellect struggles to solve. At best the intellect settles on a comforting rationalization for temporary solace.

Besides the actual moment of death, the end of identity itself, we also fear the journey. We fear the process of dying, the expectation of discomfort at best, and downright pain at worst. Whatever it ends up being, the experience of dying can't be pleasant.

Death for most of us, is the ultimate personal dilemma. Our lives are marked by two inescapable events: birth and death. We made it through the first - birth is now in the past. The other inescapable experience lurks around the bend somewhere up ahead. Luckily, most people (except those confronted with illness or extreme circumstances) don't hold in mind a concept of departure from life around the very next turn. Usually the occasion is held in abeyance to be considered and dealt with at some later date. However, if circumstances arise — a slip at the top of the stairs, an oncoming automobile, a threatening situation coming into awareness — we appreciate that death is closer than we thought.

The challenge death poses for our concept of self is: What happens to me, my identity, my ego, the "me" I have grown so fond of, so attached to, the entity, the person, body, roles, attributes I have come to know and love?

Who knows?

Without question, there is life after death. We observe "life after death" all around us every day. Plants, animals, systems, and people die, and yet life goes on. Life doesn't stop; the cycle of renewal and growth continues. The circumstance of death for plants, animals and other people though, is somehow different than the personal death of "me."

Consider for a moment, this world — life as you know it — without you. Will life go on? Does it, would it matter? Relative to the vastness of the universe and the scale of eternity we are insignificant specks, marginal players. Our entire lives and everything we touch and influence would not even register a blip on the scope of time and space.

Intellectually we may understand this comparison but emotionally we can never accept its implications. Our being screams to be somebody. The being we define as "self" is everything. The separate and distinct being, that inhabits this slice of time and space, yearns for immortality, yearns for status.

So for all the fear death engenders we are left to consider - does the identity called "me" matter?

Death assuredly is a transition. It is a transition from an animated state in this reality to something else. For many, that not knowing is the greatest horror. Death is a step each individual must take on his or her own. You and I will, one day, inevitably make the journey. If you can let go of "me" you will make that transition simpler and easier.

The truth is, the idea of "me" is limited. The "I" is locked in time and space. You are much more than that. You are a spirit on a magical adventure. You came here of your own choosing, for your own purpose. You are still one with all that is, whole and complete with unlimited potential. You are the creator of the confines you encounter and capable of unleashing their restraints. Believe this and you will release the grip of fear from death.

Freed from fear you can live a full and fulfilling life - as it is meant to be. Death is not a dead end, it is a new beginning.

Copyright (c) 2010 Scott F Paradis

About the Author

Scott F. Paradis, author of "Promise and Potential: A Life of Wisdom, Courage, Strength and Will" http://www.promiseandpotential.com publishes "insights" and a free weekly ezine, "Money, Power and the True Path to Prosperity". Subscribe now at http://www.c-achieve.com

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